Governance of marine carbon dioxide removal - gaps, challenges and pathways

Deliberate ocean-based interventions for the removal and storage of additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere increasingly find consideration in science and policy. Such marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) approaches may counterbalance residual emissions and thereby support the achievement of global climate goals set by the Paris Agreement. While mCDR interventions may contribute to climate mitigation, a wide range of secondary, unintended effects and possible trade-offs for the ocean have been determined as well. Deep uncertainty, growing urgency and transboundary considerations further challenge international ocean governance. Meanwhile, the current regulatory framework for mCDR requires strengthening. Regulating and managing the deployment of mCDR in the ocean mandates a comprehensive and coherent framework for policy and decision-making. Employing a framework for ‘good governance’ can help navigate potential future operation of mCDR, building on objectives of effectiveness, responsiveness, robustness and equity.